Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON December 25, 1948
Full News Archive
- Headline: Rev. John J. Boyce's Christmas Sermon. Impact: If only Rev. John J. Boyce had opted for a more memorable name, perhaps the world would have seen a surge in unique monikers, leading to a global movement of creative identity choices. Instead, here we are, still stuck with a sea of 'Johns.'. Fact: Did you know that 'John' was the most popular name in the USA for several decades? At this rate, there could be a million more Boyces just like him..
- Headline: William C. Cattell's Contributions Highlighted. Impact: William C. Cattellβs name had a ripple effect, inspiring a whole generation of people to ignore their middle initials. The name 'William' became less formal, paving the way for all the Bills and Wills we know today.. Fact: Fun fact: the average person forgets their middle name after age 30. Clearly, William C. Cattell wasn't one of those people..
- Headline: Mrs. William P. Alley Tribute. Impact: Mrs. William P. Alley was the catalyst for a wave of women deciding to keep their own names after marriage. The ripple effect led to more hyphenated surnames, confusing generations of bureaucrats.. Fact: Did you know that marrying someone named 'Alley' could have made for some interesting street signs? Talk about a literal marriage of names!.
- Headline: Pope Gives to Rome Fund To Build Houses for Poor. Impact: Popeβs generous donation to the Rome Fund sparked a chain reaction of charitable acts that ultimately influenced the rise of 'give back' culture in modern philanthropy, alongside a new trend of popes being the ultimate influencers.. Fact: Did you know the Popeβs side hustle includes being a meme? Yes, thereβs a whole series of holy memes out there. Who knew the Vatican was so internet-savvy?.
- Headline: WEST TEAM LOSES KIRBY, STAR BACK; X-Ray Reveals Injured Wrist -- East Stresses Speed in Shrine Game Workout. Impact: Kirbyβs injury caused a sudden shift in party dynamics, leading to the rise of players with 'underdog' stories, forever changing the narrative of sports as a battleground for resilience.. Fact: Did you know that injuries can sometimes lead to unexpected victories? Just ask every underdog team that ended up winning the championship after a star got hurt..
- Headline: BURTIS COTTRELL. Impact: Burtis Cottrellβs name may not ring a bell, but it inspired a new trend in naming children after obscure historical figures β proof that even the most mundane names can make a comeback.. Fact: Fun fact: Burtis was once a popular name in the 1800s. Letβs bring it back and give modern parents a new headache!.
- Headline: Nicaragua and Costa Rica Told to Cease Hostile Acts; Resolution of Council of American States Also Calls for Action Against Invading Caribbean Legion by San Jose TWO LATIN NATIONS TOLD TO SHUN WAR. Impact: The resolution urging Nicaragua and Costa Rica to cease hostilities inadvertently led to decades of diplomatic discussions, setting the stage for future peace treaties that even involved pizza parties. Because who doesnβt love pizza?. Fact: Did you know that diplomatic pizza parties have been proven to lower tensions? Forget talks of war; just bring out the pepperoni!.
- Headline: 2 SHOWS TO MAKE BOWS TOMORROW; 'The Victors' of New Stages and 'Oh, Mr. Meadowbrook!' to Open at Local Theatres. Impact: The opening of 'The Victors' and 'Oh, Mr. Meadowbrook!' marked the beginning of an era where musical theatre became a staple for community bonding, leading to an increase in bad karaoke performances worldwide.. Fact: Fun fact: The average person thinks they're a Broadway star when they sing in the shower. Sorry, 'Oh, Mr. Meadowbrook!' for the impending disaster!.
- Headline: Named to Federal Reserve Post. Impact: F.A. Potts being appointed to the Federal Reserve was the start of a long line of questionable financial decisions that led to the phrase 'too big to fail.' Looks like they should have gone with a Potts and pans approach instead.. Fact: Did you know that the Federal Reserve is often referred to as the 'Fed'? A name that sounds way cooler than it actually is. They really need a rebranding campaign..
- Headline: WILL ALTER HANDLING OF ENEMY ASSETS. Impact: The governmentβs new requirement regarding enemy assets ushered in an era of paperwork nightmares, forever haunting office workers and giving birth to the phrase 'Can you prove you arenβt a spy?'. Fact: Did you know that wartime controls on foreign assets were once so strict that they made getting a library card seem like a walk in the park? Bureaucracy at its finest!.
Wall Street Time Machine
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1948, it would be worth $3,433,943 today (3433.9x return)
PG
Procter & Gamble
Procter & Gamble - If you invested $1,000 in 1948, it would be worth $586,657 today (586.7x return)
KMB
Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark - If you invested $1,000 in 1948, it would be worth $147,887 today (147.9x return)